Device for reversing resilient inflations used with milking machines



March 16, 1954 M. J. GAVER DEVICE FOR REVERSING RESILIENT INFLATIONS USED WITH MILKING MACHINES 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 20, 1950 U INVENTOR. 9160mm ave/v,

M. J. GAVER March 16, 1954 DEVICE FOR REVERSING RESILIENT INFLATIONS USED WITH MILKING MACHINES 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 20, 1950 INVENTOR.

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March 16, 1954 M. J. GAVER DEVICE FOR REVERSING RESILIENT INFLATIONS USED WITH MILKING MACHINES 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 20, 1950 5 E 8 Y R 5 E M N l m w .8 m U r Q A 7 N 5 a WWNNvvwwnnnwnvvvvvvvvU\\\vv\\\\\\\\ 8 9 VIII! l Q 5 Y n1oliii-ii-5 k 1 g a525, a 0 a z e E m WP u 2 F. 5. .l 9 J 6 2 Patented Mar. 16, 1954 DEVICE FOR REVERSING RESILIENT INFLA- TIONS USED WITH MILKIN G MACHINES Morris J. Gaver; Hagerstown, Md., assignor of one-half to Harry J. Lebherz, Jr., Rocklawn,

Application June 20, 1950,.Serial.No.,169,222

'9 Claims.

.Myinvention.relates'broadly to the dairy art and more particularly to armethod and apparathe "for usein the sanitation of inflations used .in connection with automatic milking machines.

One of the objects of my invention is to pro- .vide an improved method of controlling bacteria in milk by thorough sanitation of 'the'inflations used in connection with milking machines.

Another object of my invention is to provide an improved method for rapidly and effectively reversing the resilient inflation used in connection with milking machines for subjecting the interior wall of the inflation to a thorough cleansing operation for completely destroying bacteria which tends to collect in the interstices of the interior walls and annular flange of the inflation for insuring a high degree of sanitation in the inflation.

.Still another object of my invention is to provide an improved apparatus which is capable of rapidly and effectively reversing .an inflation with minimum of handling for subjecting the inside surfaces ofthe inflation to a scrubbing action for effectively removing all accumulated adhesions and bacteria.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a simplified construction of clamp which .may be actuated to grip the annular flange of an inflationand operated through a linear path .of movement ,for reversing the inflation and exposing the interior wall thereof for facilitating the scrubbing of the interior wall, the structure over which the clamp is movable being adapted for manipulating the inflation to restore the in- ,flation' to normal position after cleaning.

Stillanother object of my invention'is to provide ,a simplified construction of support ,for

,mounting an inflation in a position in which the inflation may be mechanicallyreversed in its position for cleaning and thereafter restored to its original condition for reuse with a minimum expenditure of time and'labor.

Other and further objects of my invention resid in the mechanical construction of the inflation inverter andreinverter tool as set forth more fully in the specification hereinafter following by reference'to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the tool of my'invention'prepared to receive an inflation for the purpose of inverting the inflatiomFig. 2

zontal sectional view andillustrating the clamp in top plan view; Fig. 3 is a horizontal sectional view taken on line 33 of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of the slidable removable clamp used in the structure of my invention; Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view through the tool of Figs. 1-4 and showing the components of the tool in section; Fig. 6 is a side elevational view of a representative form of a large variety of types of resilient teat cups or inflations showing the cylindrical body structure thereof and the elongated discharge member of reduced section integrally connected therewith; Fig. 7 is a side elevational view of the tool of my invention with the teat cup or inflation applied thereto and illustrating the first step in the sanitation process where the teat cup or inflation is inserted over the central rod of thetool and extends downwardly concentrically within the vertically extending cylindrical casing; Fig. 8 is a vertical sectional View through the tool with the teat cup or inflation inserted in position as illustrated in Fig. 7; Fig 9 is a side elevational view of the central cylindrical core member which is inserted over the central rod of the tool after the teat cup or inflation is inserted in the vertical extending cylindrical casing as represented in Fig. 8; Fig. 10 isa vertical sectional view through the tool showing the next succeeding step in the operation following the insertion of the teat cup or inflation shown in Figs. 7 and 8 where the clamp carried by the linearly slidable cyindrical member of the tool is moved to a position embracing the top of the resilient flange of the teat cup or inflation'preparatory to a reversing operation; Fig. 11 is a vertical sectional view showing the'next step in the operation of the tool in which the teat cup or inflation is reversed in its position to expose the interior wall thereof preparatory to a scrubbing operation; Fig. 12 is a vertical sectional view showing the inner wall of the teat cup or inflation being sub jected to a brushing and cleaning operation in accordance with my invention; Fig. 13 is a plan view of the form of cleaning brush which I employ in the cleaning operation, the brush having two portions, one of which serves for cleaning the interior wall of the cylindrical portion of the teat cup or inflation While the other portion of which serves to clean the inner wall of the protruding discharge portion of reduced section of the teat cup or inflation; Fig. 14 is a diagrammatic view showing the crush of Fig. 13 being used for cleaning the interior wall of the protruding end or the teat cup or inflation; Fig. 15 is a fragmentary sectional View showing the manner in which the teat cup or inflation after being cleaned in accordance with the several procedural steps is again applied to the tool of my invention preparatory for restoration to the original position of the teat cup or inflation; Fig. 16 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view showing the manner in which the teat cup or inflation is restored to its original position; Fig. 17 is an elevational view of a modified form of tool constructed in accordance with my invention and particularly suitable where transportation of the tool in a compact carrying case is desirable; Fig. 18 is a longitudinal sectional view taken through the tool of Fig. 17; Fig. 19 is a transverse sectional view taken on line l9--i9 of Fig. 18; Fig. 20 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 2025 of Fig. 18; Fig. 21 is an enlarged fragmentary and elevational view of the central rod employed in the structure of Figs. 17-20; Fig. 22 is a view similar to the view shown in Fig. 21 looking at the side of the rod where it is oriented 180 with respect to the brush shown in Fig. 21; Fig. 23 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 23-43 of Fig. 22; Fig. 24 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 24-424 of Fig. 22; Fig. 25 is a view showing the inflation reversed within the hand tool of Figs. 17-24 and Fig. 26 shows the central rod assembly removed for access to the interior wall of the inflation to allow cleaning thereof.

My invention is directed to a method and apparatus for improving sanitation in dairy operations. Heretofore the resilient teat cups or inflations used with milking machinery have often collected bacteria in the interstices of the interior resilient walls of the teat cup or inflation. The cleaning of the inside walls of these resilient teat cups or infiations has heretofore been difficult and time consuming and often because of the tediousness of the task, dairymen have overlooked this detail. Dirt and bacteria have accumulated on the inside walls of the teat cups or inflations and beneath the resilient flange of the teat cup or inflation. There have been instances where disease has been traceable to bacteria and germs accumulated in the teat cups or infiations from unhealthy udders of the cows. The structure of my invention provides a convenient fixture to which the used teat cups or infiations may be quickly applied, gripped in position and reversed to exposed the inside walls thereof which may then be subjected to a thorough scrubbing action for removing all bacteria and germs. The same fixture is used for restoring the teat cup or inflation to its original position after it has been thoroughly cleaned. The entire operation is accomplished quickly and thoroughly. I have illustrated certain preferred embodiments of the tool of my invention for carrying out the principles of my invention but I I desire that the disclosures herein be considered in the illustrative sense and not in the limiting sense as I realize that the principles of my invention may be carried out using structures of various modified forms.

Referring to the drawings in more detail reference character I designates the base of the structure of my invention centrally apertured at 2 for receiving the end stepped plug 3. The plug 3 has an end portion of reduced section at 3a that extends into aperture 2 and an upper portion 3?) of larger section that provides a mount ing means for the vertically extending cylindrical casing 4. The vertically extending cylindrical casing 4 is apertured adjacent the base thereof as represented at 4a and rib above the upper end of the portion 3b of plug 3 to permit the draining away of any accumulated fluid which may gravitate during the cleaning operation. The vertically extending cylindrical casing 4 stands vertically erect supported by the portion 32) of plug 3 and concentrically surrounding the central rod 5 that is mounted in plug 3. A spacer member 6 is disposed between rod 5 and the interior wall of vertically extending cylindrical casing 4 for maintaining the spaced relationship of the central rod 5 and the vertically extending cylindrical casing 4. The central rod 5 protrudes vertically upwardly beyond the peripheral edge 3a of the vertically extending cylindrical casing ii in spaced relation to the interior walls of the vertically extending cylindrical casing 4.

A linearly slidable cylinder 1 concentrically surrounds vertically extending cylindrical casing 4 in spaced relation thereto. The linearly slidable cylinder I is provided with an annular spacer la in the lower end thereof which surrounds the vertically extending cylindrical casing 4 and serves as a guide for the linearly slidable cylinder 1 throughout its vertical path of movement longitudinally and axially of vertically extending cylindrical casing 4. The linearly slidable cylinder 1 is selected of such a length compared to the length or height of vertically extending cylindrical casing 4 and central rod 5 as will meet the average condition encountered in the dimensions of various makes and contours of teat cups or inflations. Inasmuch as these various makes differ from each other in specific dimensions and contours and particularly with respect to top flange structure, I provide an adjustable collar 8 which may be circumferentially expanded and contracted to grip the outside wall of linearly slidable cylinder 1 in the desired position for properly spacing the internal segmental flanges 9a of the pivoted clamps 9 which are pivotally mounted at H] on brackets I I that extend radially from the adjustable collar 8. The clamps 9 terminate at their lower ends in finger pressure lever 9b. The clamps 9 are biased by springs I2 which extend between the exterior side walls of linearly slidable cylinder 1 and around the pivotal mounting l0 and beneath the pressure lever 9b. The springs l2 tend to force the segmental fianges 9a toward the vertically extending cylindrical casing 4. The segmental flanges 9a of the clamps 9 and the other components of the clamp are all symmetrical in construction. I have shown three such clamps 9 disposed in positions around the adjustable collar 8 spaced 120 from each other. Under these conditions the segmental flanges 9a extend over a similar peripheral distance of 120. The movement of the segmental flanges 9a toward the vertically extending cylindrical casing 4 is limited by the mutual abutment of the radially extending edges of the segmental flanges 9a which I have indicated at 90 and M in Fig. 2. The segmental flanges 9a depend downwardly concentrically with the outer surface of the vertically extending cylindrical casing 4 and spaced therefrom in order to provide proper engagement with the flange portion Ma of the teat cup or inflation 14 shown more particularly in Fig. 6. Thus the segmental flanges 9a are spaced both above the peripheral edge lb of the linearly slidable cylinder 1 and spaced away from the exterior wall of the vertically extending cylindrical casing 4. The adjustable collar 8 is controllable by the thorizontally extending adjusting screw t5'Whi0h is .provided with screw threads thereon which to theselected position and set therein for elevatingthe'segmental flanges 9a sufliciently above peripheral edge 1b of linearly slidable cylinder I to properly engage .the. flange portion 14a, of

the teat cup or inflation I4.

.As shown in Fig. 6 the representative teat cup or inflation I i includes the flange portion I ia,

the cylindrical portion Mb, the tapered portion Ho and the elongated discharge tubular portion 14d 'ofreduced section. Teat cups and inflations offered by various: manufacturers differ in specific detail and dimensions but generallythey follow the contour depicted in Fig. 6'so that this form has been selected for illustrative purposes without intending to limit theapplicationof my in- :vention thereto.

,In Fig. '7 I have shown 'theflrst step in the method of carrying out my invention wherein the teat cup or inflation I4 hasthe discharge end Md thereof inserted over'the end of central rod v5 and projected downwardly between thsloutside of centralrod 5 and the inside wall of er tically-extending cylindrical casing 4 with. the

annular peripheral edge 4a of the'vertically extending cylindrical casing a providing an abut- :ment stop for the tapered portion Me of the teat cup or inflation. Fig. 8 shows in section the relationship of theteat cup or inflation to the centra1 rod 5 and the vertically extending cylindrical casing A previously shown in side elevation in Fig. 7.

The cylindrical portion it?) of the teat cup or inflation I 4 projects substantially beyond the end of the central rod 5 in avertical direction. Hence in order to strengthen the :support for the resilient teat cup or inflation I4, .I provide a cylindrical core member I6 having an axial recess Ifia therein for receiving the end of central rod 5.

The cylindrical core member It has a diameter which substantially fills the interior of the cylindrical portion Idb as shown in Fig.8. As thus assembled the linearly sildable .cylinder 1. is moved vertically to the position .illustrated in Fig. 10 withth-e pressure levers 9b depressed to enable the segmental flanges 9a to .clear vthe'flange I441 .of the teat cup or inflation I4 and to enable the peripheral edge :12) .ofv the linearlyslidable cylinder 1 to enter beneath the downturned edge of the flange Ida as represented in 10. That is to say, the position of ad- .justable collar .8 on the outside of linearly slidable-cylinder 'Iisso iocated that the clamps ii when depressed by moving the pressure levers 9b inwardly toward the exterior wall of the. linearly slidable cylinder I enable the segmentalflanges 1901 tomoveto a position above the annularflange inwardly thus detachably clamping the flange I la of the teat cup or inflation It to the upper .end of the linearly slidable cylinder l. The teat cup or inflation as thus clamped may now-be manipulated by a quick downward movement shown inFig. 11 in which the cylindrical portion I ib of the teat cu .or inflation is inverted and the inside Walls exposed as .shown in Fig, ll.

Throughout this operation the discharge end portion of the teatcup or inflation shownat Md remains clamped between the centralrod 5 and the inside of the verticall extending cylindrical casing 4. Fig. 12 shows the next succeeding step in the operation in which the pressure levers 9b have again been depressed enabling the seemental flanges 9a, to clear a position beneath flange I ia so that the linearly slidable cylinder 1 is :wholly detached from the inflation and moved downwardly-to its original position with respect to the base I.

The brush shown in Fig. 13 is now applied-to the exposed inside walls of the cylindrical portion MD of the teat cup or inflation as represented in Fig. 12 for thoroughly scrubbing the said inside Walls for removing bacteria and germs. suitable cleansingsolution is employed in facilitating this operation. The collection of any accumulated dirt beneath the'flange 14a is also removed. Thev brush used for this purpose-may have a variety of forms. I have illustrated in Fig. 13 one typical form for thebrush consisting of a pair of arms I! and I3 pivoted at I9 andhaving handle'extensions Ila and IBa thereon. The arms I! and I8 are each substantially semi-circular in contour and carry sets of bristles I8b and Ill) adapted to engage the exposed surface of the cylindrical portion I4b of'the inflation It for thoroughly scrubbing the'interstices thereof for dislodging bacteria and germs which may have accumulated therein. The handle. portion Ila of the brush is extended as shown at We to formsan elongated slender brush IIdof a size which may be inserted through the interiorof the top end of reducedsection of the inflation'at 14d. This operation is shownmore clearly "in Fig. 14 where the'inverted inflation. is wholly removed from the tool to permit reciprocative action of brush I'Id through the interior walls of the discharge end Hid of reduced'section of the inflation I4.

As thus thoroughly cleaned the inverted inflation is ready .for restoration to its original condition and for this purpose the inflation is restored to the fixture in the position shown in Fig. 15 where at this time :the discharge end of the teat cup or inflation at hid isinserted over central rod 5 in a reverse position as compared to the position in which the inflationv was removed from the fixture in Fig. 12. 'The'tapered portion I40 of the teat cup orfinflation now engages and hugs the upperperipheral extremity' la of the vertically extending cylindrical casing '4 as shown in-Fig. .15. In this position the flange M may be gripped and the cylindrical portion 54b rolled downwardly over the vertically'extending cylindricaleasing It as represented injFig. 16

thus restoring the inflation to its original condition. The structure thus described is ideally suited for large scale diary operations. There are situations in which a more readily portable unit is-desirable and for this purpose I may utilize the form of my invention shown in Figs.17-24.

In this arrangement a housing rormedby a pair of metallic tubes Manda!- is provided. The tube 28 has an annularyflangeZZ formed thereon with bayonet pins 22a and 22b extending therefrom and coacting with a'sleevelikeheader 23 having bayonet slots 23a and 231; formed therein.

The header 23 serves asa confining means-for the flange Ma of .the teat cup or inflation and maintains theflange Isa over the peripheral edge 29a of the metallic tube 26 with the cylindrical portion Mir-of the lteatccup or inflation extending downwardly within the tube and with the discharge end Md of reduced section extending into the interior of tube 2i. The inclined wall section Me of the inflation interconnecting the cylindrical portion 14b and the reduced section discharge end portion Md facilitates reversal of the inflation as will be hereinafter explained in more detail. Tube 2! is slidable within tube 29 under control of the central rod 25. The central rod has the end thereof shaped in quadrantal sections as shown more particularly in Figs. 21-24 with a slot 25a formed therein and a quadrantal keyhead 252) connected therewith, the central rod 25 is capable of being revolved by means of handle 250 to move the keyhead 25?) into engage- .ment with the semi-cylindrical aperture Na in the closed end of tube 2i enabling tube 21 to be drawn longitudinally through aperture 2% in cylinder 20.

The central rod 25 extends through the discharge end Md of the teat cup or inflation and through the inclined wall section 140 and cylindrical portion Nb and carries the slidable cylindrical member 25 which serves as a core to support the interior walls of the cylindrical portion 14b of the teat cup or inflation during the process of reversal of the teat cup or inflation. With the teat cup or inflation inserted into the tubes 2%; and 2i as shown in Fig. 18 and the header 23 latched in position over the bayonet pins 22a and 22b the central rod 25 is grasped by handle 25c and drawn longitudinally of the tubes 29 and 2|. This operation produces a reversal of the teat cup or inflation as shown in Fig. 25 where tube 2! has its peripheral end 2 lb drawn against the inclined wall portion 140 of the teat cup or inflation and as the longitudinal movement of tube 2| continues the cylindrical portion l4b of the teat cup or inflation is reversed upon itself in the position illustrated in Fig. 25. When the entire limit of travel of tube 2| is reached the tube 253 is entirely cleared of the inflation 01' teat cup and the inside wall of the cylindrical portion Mb of the teat cup or inflation is exposed for scrubbing and cleaning. During this operation the cylindrical member 26 serves as a follower abutment for the turned over portion 140 of the teat cup or inflation.

The reversed teat cup or inflation is now ready to be wholly removed from the tube 20. This is accomplished by releasing the header 23 which is moved out of obstructing position beneath handle 25c enabling the tube 20 to be detached. The reversed teat cup or inflation after cleaning of the interior surface of cylindrical portion Mb may be wholly removed from the tool and the interior of the discharge portion [4d of reduced section subjected to interior cleaning using the brush described in connection with Fig. 13 in the manner disclosed in Fig. 14. While the inside surface of the inflation is now accessible for cleaning it is also practical to clean the inside of the flange portion Ha to eliminate secretions and bacteria which may have collected thereunder. After thus cleaning the inflation or teat cup the inflation or teat cup may be restored to the tool in the assembly illustrated in Fig. 26 by suitable manipulation of the central rod 25 through the latching end of tube 2| at Zia and then the teat cup or inflation rolled back to its original position in the form illustrated in Fig. 18. The tool is then disassembled and the inflation removed and is immediately ready for reuse.

My invention is broader than the apparatus which I have shown for carrying out the process described wherein as I employ a novel method and principle which I desire to protect in the appended claims. that is the mounting of the resilient inflation in such manner that restraining forces are imposed upon the inflation in all transverse directions while the reversing force is impressed upon the inflation in a longitudinal direction. The manner of mounting the inflation for preventing displacement of the resilient walls thereof due to distortion insures the longitudinal rolling of the resilient material of the inflation in a way that the quick reversing operation may be effected. Both the inside and outside walls of the inflation are restrained against transverse displacement or bulging so that the longitudinal forces applied to the inflation are entirely utilized in effecting a reversal position of the walls of the inflation.

My invention also includes the novel construction of brush described herein for the scrubbing of the exposed inside wall of the inflation.

Both forms of the structure of my invention have been found to be highly practical and successful in operation. While I have described but two embodiments of my invention, I realize that modifications may be made in the structural arrangement and assembly of the parts of my device and I accordingly desire that it be understood that no limitations upon my invention are intended other than may be imposed by the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is as follows:

1. An apparatus for reversing inflations comprising a base, a central rod extending vertically from said base, a vertically extending cylindrical casing surrounding said rod in spaced relation thereto and terminating below the end thereof, a linearly slidable cylinder concentrically positioned over said cylindrical casing and carrying a multiplicity of clamps thereon, said clamps being adapted to grip the peripheral edge of a resilient tubular member inserted between said rod and said cylindrical casing and reverse the position of said resilient tubular member and turn the inside thereof outside.

2. An apparatus for reversing inflations as set forth in claim 1 in which said clamps may be longitudinally adjusted in position with respect to the end of said linearly slidable cylinder for accommodating said clamps to grip the peripheral edge oi a resilient tubular member where the said peripheral edge may vary in thickness over wide limits.

3. An apparatus for reversing inflations as set forth in claim 1 in which said clamps are spaced around said linearly slidable cylinder at distances of substantially from each other.

4. An apparatus for reversing inflations as set forth in claim 1 including resiliently biased lever members which are normally maintained in a position for urging said clamps in a radially inward direction.

5. An apparatus for reversing inflations as set forth in claim 1 in which said clamps each have segmental gripping members thereon with opposite ends of the segmental gripping members forming mutual abutments for limiting the radially inward movement of said clamps with respect to the resilient tubular member clamped thereby.

6. An apparatus for reversing inflations comprising a base, a central rod extending vertically from said base, a vertically extending cylindrical casing surrounding said rod in spaced relation thereto and terminating below the end thereof, a linearly slidable cylinder concentrically positioned over said cylindrical casing, a band member attached to said cylinder, a multiplicity of lever members pivotally mounted on said band member, said levers terminating in inwardly directed clamping portions upon the end of said cylinder, spring means interposed between said lever members and said cylinder for normally urging said lever members to a position in which said clamping portions are maintained in positions adapted to grip the peripheral edge of a resilient tubular member inserted between said rod and said cylindrical casing and reverse the position of said tubular member and turn the inside therecf outside by a longitudinal movement of said linearly slidable cylinder with the peripheral edge of the resilient tubular member clamped thereby for subjecting the said inside surface to a cleaning operation.

7. An apparatus for reversing infiations as set forth in claim 6 in which said band member is adjustable toward or away from the end of said linearly slidable cylinder for controlling the spacial relation of said clamps with respect to the end of said linearly slidable cylinder and adapting the said clamps to grip the peripheral edge of a resilient tubular member where the depth of the peripheral edge may vary over wide limits.

8. An apparatus for reversing inflations as set forth in claim 6 in which said clamping portions are constructed of segmental shape fiat faces each having curved edge portions with inwardly directed flange portions operative to engage the central portion of the peripheral edge of the resilient tubular member clamped thereby.

9. An apparatus for reversing inflations as set forth in claim 6 which includes a cylindrical core member having an axial recess therein which engages the end of the central rod that extends from the base and supports the Wall of the resilient tubular member during the reversing operation thereof.

MORRIS J. GAVER.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,113,605 Desloge Oct. 13, 1914 1,331,546 Wagner Feb. 24, 1920 1,735,688 Lowry Nov. 12, 1929 1,950,206 Anderson Mar. 6, 1934 2,018,086 Parsons Oct. 22, 1935 2,214,684 Stinnett Sept. 10, 19 10 2,465,921 Peters Mar. 29, 1949 2,506,079 Grant May 2, 1950 

